Germany modifies Puma before NATO task force deployment
Improvements were made to the Puma IFV after an operational test in July 2020 identified ‘significant defects’.
Optical systems, weapon effects and soldier protection features on the Puma tracked IFV have been ‘significantly modified’ so that the German Army can undertake a lead role in the NATO Very High Readiness Joint Task Force (VJTF) deployment in 2023, the German Armed Forces announced on 18 March.
For VJTF, Puma forms part of a broader Panzergrenadier system comprising the IFV and the modular Future Soldier – Expanded System (IdZ-ES) soldier system in an advanced, network-enabled warfare environment.
However, a tactical operational test in July 2020 was unsuccessful as ‘significant defects’ were found ‘and the capabilities of the system were significantly limited’, the German Armed Forces noted.
As a result, the German defence procurement agency BAAINBw, the German Army and an industry team led by Rheinmetall spent six months modifying the Puma.
A second operational test in February 2021 (including a comprehensive logistics and supply assessment) proved the tactical combat capability of the vehicle as ‘an essential prerequisite’ for deploying Puma in VJTF 2023, according to the German Armed Forces.
Training and certification will be carried out by Panzergrenadierbataillon 112 before VJTF 2023 deploys.
As part of our promise to deliver comprehensive coverage to our Defence Insight and Premium News subscribers, our curated defence news content provides the latest industry updates, contract awards and programme milestones.
Related Programmes in Defence Insight
Related Equipment in Defence Insight
More from Land Warfare
-
![Australia’s SM-2 land trial could reshape ADF medium-range air defence plans]()
Australia’s SM-2 land trial could reshape ADF medium-range air defence plans
The first ground launch of the SM-2 could offer Canberra a path to expand its missile defence capability by adapting systems already fielded across the ADF.
-
![UK hits pause on deployable mortar system procurement as US begins search]()
UK hits pause on deployable mortar system procurement as US begins search
The US Army's market survey into available 81mm and 120mm mobile mortar systems was launched only a few days after the UK suspended Project Stokes, an almost identical plan, “pending future decisions on prioritisation, resourcing and funding”.
-
![FIA 2026: MBDA launches low-cost interceptor for short-range air defence]()
FIA 2026: MBDA launches low-cost interceptor for short-range air defence
At FIA 2026, MBDA launched its Counter Mass Interceptor (CMI) which the company says is a mass-producible, low-cost effector for fire-and-forget engagements at range and altitude.
-
![Self-propelled howitzers are driving the European artillery renaissance]()
Self-propelled howitzers are driving the European artillery renaissance
After decades of force reductions as artillery was deprioritised, Europe is now undergoing an artillery renaissance as governments across the continent scramble to invest in new capabilities in response to the war in Ukraine.
-
![“Timelines are measured in seconds”: tackling the UAS threat with dispersed defences]()
“Timelines are measured in seconds”: tackling the UAS threat with dispersed defences
Small uncrewed aerial systems (UAS) have transformed the battlespace, posing a complex threat across all domains. Militaries now need counter-UAS (CUAS) capabilities that defeat the danger while meeting demands around readiness, manoeuvrability and adaptability, according to Mike Spina, Director, Global Sales and Business Development for Targeting and Sensor Systems (TSS) at L3Harris Technologies.
